A liberal arts degree and a major in political science along with prior work experience, internships, as well as your personal skills and talents prepare you for many careers paths. Employment opportunities for political science graduates include many challenging and rewarding careers in government, nonprofits, international organizations, political campaigns, teaching, management, communications, the media, and the legal field.
Although an advanced degree widens your employment options and allows for greater flexibility in salary negotiations and career advancement, many political science graduates secure positions with only a bachelors degree.
The following websites provide some possibilities for future employment opportunities in the job market but first check out these current job listings:
Organization Summary:
The Advocates for Human Rights is a volunteer-based, non-governmental, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights.
Location: Twin Cities Metro Activity Area: Community Building, Volunteerism, Philanthropy
Category: Public Relations and Marketing Closing Date: Jun 21, 2013
Job Type: Full Time
Primary Duties:
The Advocates for Human Rights is seeking a Development & Communications Assistant to support to the organization’s Development and Communications departments. The Development & Communications Assistant will: • Assist with coordination of fundraising events, including house parties and the annual Human Rights Awards Dinner and silent auction • Assist in producing event invitations and communications materials including the Annual Report, newsletters, email communications, social media, website updates, videos, blog, and press releases • Help with year-end and other fundraising mail appeals • Assist with management of GiftWorks donor database • Help with grant applications and reports and research on prospective donors • Help manage Development and Communications calendars • Maintain organizational website and social media sites • Track media coverage of The Advocates and maintain media contacts list • Maintain archive of photos for use in development and communications materials • Take on other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Experience:
Qualifications include: a B.A. or equivalent degree; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to establish priorities and manage projects effectively; experience with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Creative Suite; careful attention to detail and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done right; ability to build strong relationships with The Advocates’ diverse staff and community; and an interest in fundraising, marketing, human rights, social justice, and building the local and international human rights movement.
Additional Info:
This is a full-time position with an excellent vacation plan and medical/dental insurance. Compensation is commensurate with experience and within the range of similar non-profit organizations.
How To Apply:
To apply, please mail cover letter and resume to: Development & Communications Assistant Search The Advocates for Human Rights 330 2nd Avenue South, Suite 800 Minneapolis, MN 55401-2211 No e-mail applications accepted. NO PHONE CALLS OR E-MAIL INQURIES PLEASE.
My name is Andy Knaak, a graduate of the University of Minnesota Political Science Department and current Canvass Director for the Minnesota DFL House Caucus. A position on our summer canvass team (which operates through Labor Day) recently opened and I am looking to fill it as soon as possible with a well-qualified individual with strong communication skills and interest in local politics. The salary is $2,000 per month with benefits.
The job would be daily door-knocking and promoting the work of 2013 DFL House members. Canvassers would promote the particular member's work this past legislative session and ask eligible voters about current issues sticking out to them or particular concerns in their area. The position is six days a week (Fridays off). Hours Sunday through Thursday are roughly 3-9 and Saturdays 10:00-3:30 along with a couple 3-4 day trips over the course of the summer. Ideally a new hire would have experience working in politics before, a strong passion for the Democratic party and its platform, and educational experience relating to politics.
I will be doing the hiring and would prefer applications via email at knaak016@umn.edu. My phone number is 651-269-9453.
Sincerely,
Andy Knaak
Advertised on Minnesota Council of Nonprofits web site: http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org.
Organization Summary:
The Secretary of State's office maintains many official records of the state, oversees the administration of elections in the state, charters and registers corporations, maintains annual reports for foreign and domestic corporations, registers notaries, and publishes the Blue Book. The office administers statewide databases for voter registration and for the filing of liens under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Location: Twin Cities Metro Activity Area: Other
Category: Public Relations and Marketing Closing Date: Jun 13, 2013
Job Type: Full Time Salary: $37396-$54330
Primary Duties:
Oversee and manage voter education and awareness efforts in Minnesota, with a focus on communities that participate at a rate below the state average. Develop and implement a comprehensive statewide voter outreach plan to educate Minnesotans on voting rights and engage under-participating communities. Make presentations and run interactive workshops. Coordinate advisory groups. Develop voter education materials for print and social media distribution. Lead the development of election judge training materials, including print and video. Establish and strengthen existing relationships between civic organizations and the office. Hire and supervise staff to assist with voter outreach responsibilities, including controlling the flow of work, training employees, scheduling, and taking effective disciplinary actions. This position will require a commitment to non-partisan principles. It requires the ability to explain complex issues in a way that can be understood by diverse audiences. This position will also demand problem solving skills, flexibility and a strong desire and willingness to communicate across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Experience:
** In addition to applying below SUBMIT A COVER LETTER TO hr.services@state.mn.us** - 2 years of professional experience doing community organizing or voter outreach - Previous experience in supervising staff (and/or interns) - Experience in developing and implementing outreach plans - Demonstrated program management experience from research to implementation - Experience presenting to and partnering with a broad range of stakeholders - Problem solving skills and flexibility to manage rapidly changing plans - Familiarity with Minnesota’s voting regulations and procedures - Advanced computer user skills (word processing, spreadsheets, database, PowerPoint, electronic communication) The ability to occasionally transport heavy objects Preferred Qualifications: - 3+ Years of experience supervising staff or interns - 5 years of professional experience doing community organizing or voter outreach - Experience in developing web content and using social media as an organizing tool - Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities, students, military voters, or communities of color - Proficiency in languages other than English - Experience in formatting and layout of documents
Additional Info:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
How To Apply:
Apply through the MN state career website; http://www.careers.state.mn.us using the requisition number 13SOS000009. **In addition all applicants must submit a cover letter to hr.services@state.mn.us
Organization Summary:
The Secretary of State's office maintains many official records of the state, oversees the administration of elections in the state, charters and registers corporations, maintains annual reports for foreign and domestic corporations, registers notaries, and publishes the Blue Book. The office administers statewide databases for voter registration and for the filing of liens under the Uniform Commercial Code. (www.sos.state.mn.us)
Location: Twin Cities Metro Activity Area: Other
Category: Public Policy Closing Date: Jun 13, 2013
Job Type: Full Time Salary: $37,396-$54,330
Primary Duties:
Provide overall programmatic and administrative support and strategic advice on the implementation of the office’s legislative agenda. Oversee and manage certain legislative initiatives. Research, monitor and recommend action regarding federal elections related legislation. Coordinate and oversee the office’s administration and implementation of federal grants. This position will require a commitment to non-partisan principles and will demand problem solving skills and flexibility.
Experience:
** In addition to applying below, SUBMIT A COVER LETTER TO hr.services@state.mn.us** - 2 years of professional experience in working on legislative initiatives - Demonstrated ability to explain complex issues / concepts in an understandable way - Demonstrated program management experience from research to implementation - Analysis experience sufficient to research, analyze and summarize program issues and needs - Oral and interpersonal communications sufficient to communicate effectively with staff, public officials and advocacy and user groups, to solicit stakeholder involvement, and to make presentations at public and user group meetings. - Problem solving skills and flexibility to manage rapidly changing plans - Experience in working collaboratively or in partnership with diverse groups of people and in building consensus with teams with diverse interests - Familiarity with election law and processes - Advanced computer user skills (word processing, spreadsheets, database, PowerPoint, electronic communication) Preferred Qualifications: -Proficiency in languages other than English -Experience in working on federal legislation -Experience in conducting usability testing -Experience in working on issues related to domestic violence -Experience in administering grants and grant reporting
Additional Info:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
How To Apply:
Apply through the Minnesota State career website with posting number 13SOS000010. http://www.careers.state.mn.us. All applicants must also submit a cover letter to hr.services@state.mn.us
Position Description
TITLE:
Promise Fellow – Center for Youth Development—Urban 4-H
Site Based 4-H Club Development
Center for Youth Development, University of Minnesota Extension
PLACEMENT SITES:
Home office location:
• Urban Youth Development Office on St. Paul Campus at University of Minnesota, 90 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108
Program site:
• American Indian Magnet School, 1075 East 3rd St., St. Paul, MN 55106
SUPERVISOR:
Urban Youth Development Office Staff
ABOUT URBAN 4-H (more info: http://www1.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/urban4-H/)
The Minnesota Urban Youth Development Office (Urban 4-H) is part of the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development. Urban 4-H works with and on behalf of youth living in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburban and rural communities to measurably improve their learning and leadership through educational programs and applied research. This mission is carried out through networks of partnerships with youth, volunteers, interns, community-based organizations, and schools.
Our research-based programs are grounded in best practices designed for urban young people living in at-risk conditions. Our ultimate goal is to support high-quality, engaging programming for urban youth to drive their current and future success by experiencing mastery, building 21st century leadership skills, and developing a sense of global citizenship.
ABOUT AMERICAN INDIAN MAGNET SCHOOL
At American Indian Magnet School, students study the rich history, culture, and language of area tribes including Ojibwe and D/Lakota. A strong sense of community is built through an emphasis on core values including respect, love, courage, wisdom, honesty, humility, and truth. Ojibwe and D/Lakota specialists also provide language and cultural opportunities for students, parents, and staff.
Urban 4-H has a strong partnership with American Indian Magnet School through the collaboratively delivered Big Urban Woods 4-H Club. The Promise Fellow would be expanding and connecting students to this and other after school opportunities as part of his/her responsibilities.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions
• Plan, organize, and coordinate after school 4-H groups with the goal that at least 30 youth (approx. 5th – 9th graders) will experience academic gains, using strategies that focus on leadership and civic engagement along with in-depth project learning, in addition to minimal tutoring/homework help.
• Develop and organize projects that engage youth participants in at least 20 hours of civic engagement activities during the year as an additional strategy to improve academic success.
• Identify meaningful civic engagement activities with the youth, including community service, service-learning, and leadership experiences;
• Orient and train youth for their civic engagement experiences;
• Lead civic engagement activities with youth, including reflection components;
• Recruit and/or support community volunteers, including family members, to work with youth participants in areas such as mentoring, tutoring, civic engagement, and college/career exploration.
• Work with 4-H Program Coordinator to support full range of the 4-H youth development programs in the county. Includes working with teen and adult volunteers as they deliver 4-H Club and Adventure experiences.
• Meet regularly with Youth Success Team to review data and identify youth to serve;
• Track student progress and determine which interventions to connect to individual students or groups of students;
• Maintain program records, complete ongoing youth assessments, and submit weekly and monthly reports using an online database system with support from site supervisor and site coordinator.
Marginal Functions
• Support teachers and other school and community members to finalize the best local strategies for closing the achievement gap, including how community volunteers will help address the needs of the targeted youth;
• Assist supervisor and the site coordinator to keep program records and evaluate program outcomes, making changes as needed based on evaluation data.
• Participate in all Alliance and AmeriCorps required meetings and assignments.
Requirements
• Must be 18 years old*
• U.S. citizen or U.S. National or have status as a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
• Please note that final candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check before being officially enrolled by the Minnesota Alliance with Youth
Qualifications
• Interest in youth, service, education, and non-profit work
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Able to present oneself in a highly professional manner and be an ambassador of the program
• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of tasks, priorities, and people in order to meet goals
• Self-motivated, able to work in a team, take initiative and work independently
Promise Fellows may NOT be in school full-time or have another full-time position and serve with the Alliance; Promise Fellows serve in a full time capacity for a minimum of 35-40 hours per week during their term of service.
Desirable Characteristics
• Associates or Bachelor of Arts Degree in community or youth development, education, or related field
• Volunteer experience and desire to develop a strong ethic of service
• Experience working collaboratively with youth and adults
• Commitment to positive youth development
• Has initiative to see and follow through with “next steps” to be taken
• Knowledge of or experience with 4-H youth development programs
• Interest, experience with and/or knowledge of working with Native youth
Typical Work Environment
• Able to work in environment that is noisy with many young people and adults demanding attention
• Able to work independently without much direction as well as on teams
• Work setting may include working in a cubicle and/or sharing office and computer with other members/staff
Benefits
As a full-time AmeriCorps member, Promise Fellows serve 1725 hours from August 15, 2013 to August 14, 2014 and receive: Modest Living Allowance (appx. $450 every two weeks pre-tax); Health Insurance; Qualified Student Loan Deferment; $5550 Education Award upon successful completion of service; Ongoing, extensive support and training.
To apply, complete both steps.
• Please email/mail/fax (email preferred) cover letter, resume, and three references by Wednesday June 19, 2013 to the address below.
• Applicants must also complete the Alliance’s on-line application (available at www.mnyouth.net)
Contact
Jessica Russo
Urban 4-H Director
Urban Youth Development Office
University of Minnesota Extension
90 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
phone: 612-624-7625
fax: 612-624-7793
e-mail: pier0239@umn.edu
We are committed to recruiting and engaging individuals without regard to disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request. This document is available in alternative formats.
Job Summary
The University of St. Thomas, College of Arts and Sciences, invites applications for an Administrative Assistant II. This is a 10-month, 0.68 FTE position requiring 32.5 hours/week during the academic year (approximately August 20-June 20). The administrative assistant provides complex administrative, technical, and clerical support services for the departments of Geography, History and Political Science, and one program (currently International Studies) included under the Division of Social Sciences. He or she will serve 3 department chairs, 1 program director, 17 full-time faculty, and up to 15 adjunct faculty.
Responsibilities include administrative and secretarial support to the chairs and the members of the departments; oversight of the operations of the office including hiring, training, and supervision of student assistants; assistance with the details of faculty hires; preparation and submission of adjunct contracts; development and upkeep of department and program web pages; analysis and monitoring of department budgets; maintenance of course schedules and classroom assignments in Banner; research, data collection, and report preparation as needed; arrangements for meetings, appointments, and department events; administrative support for majors and minors in our departments; and special projects as requested.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or its equivalent and 2-3 years of relevant or comparable administrative work experience. Some college education preferred.
We are looking for candidates who possess the following skills and abilities:
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, ability to maintain a warm but professional work environment.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with our various constituents.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with frequent interruptions and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and ability to learn and use a variety of software programs including Murphy Online, Banner, Cognos, Blackboard, and Sharepoint (training available).
• Experience with web page development and communication technology tools.
Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. The successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission statement.
In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.
Organization Summary:
The Advocates for Human Rights is a volunteer-based, non-governmental, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights.
Location: Twin Cities Metro Activity Area: Legal, Civil Rights Advocacy, Crime
Category: Administration and Management Closing Date: Jun 21, 2013
Job Type: Full Time
Primary Duties:
The Advocates for Human Rights is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide administrative support to the International Justice and Research, Education, and Advocacy programs. The administrative assistant will assist with work on a variety of projects related to U.S. and international human rights issues. The Administrative Assistant will: • Assist the International Justice and Research, Education, and Advocacy staff with correspondence, scheduling, travel arrangements, grant writing and reporting, data entry, record-keeping and coordination of fundraising and other events. • Assist with recruiting, training, coordinating, and supporting interns and volunteers in all program areas. • Assist with communication with local, national and international community partners, including maintaining e-mail lists • Support advocacy efforts and creation of print and online advocacy materials for issues before the United Nations, regional human rights mechanisms, Congress, and the Minnesota Legislature. • Update programmatic information on website and assist with social media. • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Experience:
Qualifications include a B.A or equivalent degree, strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to establish priorities and manage multiple projects effectively. Candidates must be detail-oriented, self-directed, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done right. Experience with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as proficiency in a foreign language, is desirable.
Additional Info:
This is a full-time position with an excellent vacation plan and medical/dental insurance. Compensation is commensurate with experience and within the range of similar non-profit organizations.
How To Apply:
To apply, please mail cover letter and resume to: Administrative Assistant Search The Advocates for Human Rights 330 2nd Avenue South, Suite 800 Minneapolis, MN 55401-2211 No e-mail applications accepted. NO PHONE CALLS OR E-MAIL INQURIES PLEASE.
Location: Twin Cities Metro Activity Area: Legal, Civil Rights Advocacy, Crime
Category: Administration Support Services Closing Date: open until filled
Job Type: Full Time
Primary Duties:
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS) is seeking an executive assistant for its administrative office in downtown St. Paul. This position provides the opportunity to become fully integrated into the administrative operations of a nationally recognized non-profit. Founded in 1909, SMRLS provides free, high-quality legal assistance to low-income individuals in critical civil matters. The Executive Assistant performs administrative functions on behalf of SMRLS chief executive and chief operating officers; its controller; and its development director. The position is under the direct supervision of the chief executive officer.
Responsibilities
Include but are not limited to the following:
• Act as the conduit of communication between SMRLS administrative staff and its board of directors, senior leadership team, and, as necessary, individual donors. This includes generating and maintaining confidential communications both internally and externally.
•Administer executive meetings: scheduling, taking meeting minutes, and performing follow-up tasks.
•Prepare invoices, reports, memos and letters.
•Maintain accurate and complete corporate and financial files and records.
•Administer SMRLS major federal, state and local grants. This includes learning and understanding the requirements / conditions of these grants.
•Assist with fundraising efforts as appropriate. This includes events (an annual gala and appreciation luncheon), annual mailings, newsletters, etc.
•Assist with executive scheduling when needed.
•Read and analyze incoming memos, submissions and reports to determine their significance and plan their distribution.
•Manage the general administration email account and open and distribute incoming mail.
•Perform receptionist duties: appropriately screening and directing incoming calls and greeting visitors, etc.
•Maintain a welcoming and well-organized public space for the administrative suite.
•Order supplies, interface with vendors and trouble-shoot equipment needs.
•Assist with administrative duties in other SMRLS locations on an as-needed basis.
•Learn and demonstrate adherence to SMRLS Mission and Guiding Principles.
Experience:
Qualifications
•Excellent writing/editing/drafting skills. The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
•Demonstrated ability to professionally interface with internal and external stakeholders, both in-person, via phone calls and e-mail.
•Excellent organizational skills and knowledge of clerical systems.
•Demonstrated ability to take accurate and complete meeting minutes.
•Ability to work constructively with others in a team setting; good judgment; ability to learn quickly and to work hard, independently, effectively and efficiently under pressure.
•Demonstrated ability to be flexible in work assignments.
•Excellent computer skills, including experience in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) Preferred experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
•AA degree preferred.
Additional Info:
Salary Salary is Pursuant to Scale, DOE (competitive non-profit scale). Good medical benefits.
Opened until filled.
SMRLS is committed to diversity in the workplace. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
How To Apply:
Resumes with Resumes via email to:
Kathie Battle Sayles
SMRLS
55 East Fifth Street Suite 1000
St. Paul, MN 55101
kathie.battlesayles@smrls.org
The list of available positions is too lengthy to print here.
For local/Minnesota jobs:
For jobs across America:
For help with writing your resume and cover letter as well as practicing your interview skills, visit the College of Liberal Arts Career Center in 135 Johnston Hall
Many students who major or minor in political science choose to attend either graduate school or law school when they have completed their undergraduate degrees. For those students who intend following such a course, it is important that they begin their preparations as soon as possible. While still undergraduates, students must take care to maintain as high a GPA as possible as this will be a key factor in obtaining admission to the graduate or professional school of their choice. In addition, students should get to know their professors and instructors which will help in their being able to write the letters of recommendation which are a central part of all graduate and professional school applications.
As students approach the end of their undergraduate degrees, they should start gathering information about graduate or professional schools and preparing to take the required exams such as the GRE's and LSAT's. The undergraduate adviser will be happy to advise you on how to go about the application process and to help you select schools to which to apply. In addition, there is a wealth of information available online to help you choose the best schools for your needs and to assist you in putting together the best application.
Make sure you check out the College of Liberal Arts Career and Community Learning Center in 135 Johnston Hall. They have an extensive reference library available for your perusal and professional staff to assist you in your graduate/law school search.
You will find the information contained in the following web sites extremely helpful, too.
Graduate Programs (M.A., PhD)
Undergraduate Adviser
Rose Miskowiec
1482 SocSci
612-624-8517
r-misk@umn.edu
Internship Director

Paul Soper
1480 SocSci
612-626-1002
psoper@umn.edu
Director of Undergrad Studies

Scott Abernathy
Assoc. Professor
1246A SocSci
612-624-3308